The refrigerator is a great invention in many ways. Most of us can’t imagine a life without it. But what exactly should or shouldn’t be stored in it? Here’s a great list I very much appreciated, and therefore felt compelled to share. Feel free to share this useful list with all your family and friends.
1. Red onion
The moisture in the fridge will eventually make your onions soft and bad. Keep them in place in a cool, dry place. But make sure to keep them separate from your potatoes, as if you don’t both will go bad much faster.
2. Coffee
Not only will storing coffee in the refrigerator cause it to lose its taste, it could also absorb the taste of nearby food produce. Store large quantities in the freezer, and smaller amounts in a cool, dark place.
3. Olive oil
Storing olive oil in the refrigerator will make it condense and turn into a harder, butter-like consistency. This makes it more difficult to use.
4. Basil
It is preferable to keep basil in a cup of water, as you would with cut flowers. It will rot faster in the fridge and absorb different aromas from other food articles in your fridge.
In theory, honey should never go bad. Store it tightly at room temperature, but not in the fridge.
6. Garlic
Garlic will eventually start to grow in the refrigerator. The gaps between cloves can also become tough and moldy, so it is best to keep your garlic in a cool, dry place.
7. Bread
If you store bread in the fridge, consider giving that up. Your fridge will dry out your bread faster. Store it in the freezer or the pantry instead, unless it’s a few slices you plan to eat within a couple of days at most.
8. Avocado
Do you want your avocados to ripen faster? Then don’t store in the refrigerator. Ripe avocados however, can be stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
9. Potatoes
Storing potatoes in your fridge will make them sweeter, as the cold environment converts their starch into sugar more quickly. Instead, you should store them in a paper bag in a cool – but not cold – place.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes lose much of their flavor in the fridge, as the cold air prevents their maturation process.
11. Cucumber
I always keep cucumbers in the fridge, but it’s important to note that this vegetable is sensitive to both high and low temperatures. It can easily become wet and soft in the refrigerator, but it should also not be kept in temperatures below 10 degrees C. If you do store it in your fridge, make sure it’s in a plastic bag. Also, store it far from avocado, apple, tomato or other fruits that emit much ethylene gas.
